Steam generator



1943. A, H. HABERSTUMP 2,336,011

STEAM GENERATOR Filed Aug. 8, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet l 3 INVENTOR Dec) 7, 1943. A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,335,011

' STEAM GENERATOR Filed Aug. 8, 1941 I5 Sheets-Sheet 2 4/ 3 $7 H/ 512' gm INV'EKTOR [7176791 bdZe/ZsZZ/M 1 1943. A. H. HABERSTUMP 2,336,011

STEAM GENERATOR Filed Aug. 8, 1941 3 Sheets-Sheet 3 INVENTOR NEYS.

Patented Dec. 7, 1943 2,336,011 SSTEAMVGENERATOR Alfred H. Habers'tump, Detroit, Mich assignor to The Murray Corporation of America, Detroit, Mich., a corporation of Delaware Application August 8, 1941, Serial No. 406,031

13 Claims.

My invention relates to steam generating 'devices, and particularly to a device which generates steam for heating, humidifying, sterilizing, and the like.

The present invention pertains to a steam generating device comprising a floating element having thereon immersible pairs of conductors which when joined to an electric circuit heat the water to produce steam. The device may be employed in the well of a radiator to produce steam for heating a room, or maybe employed in the base of a container for producingsteam for humidifying the. room, or for sterilizing instruments, .or steaming other articles, and other like uses. The element is so mounted in the container as to be bodily removable as a unit from the wall thereof for repair or replacement.

The unit may be supported on pivoted arms to retain the device in floating position and a weight element on'the arms may be adjusted for regulating the depth at which the conductors project within the water to control the amount of current used and the amount of steam produced. Vertical pins may be employed for retaining the device in position when floating on the water and means may also be provided for relieving any excess pressure which may develop within a closed container. The device may be formed of spaced bars with alternate bars connected at opposite ends to one or the other leads of a circuit. The conductors may be made of bare wire disposed in parallel relation and wound spirally to have alternate conductors of like leads.

Accordingly, the main objects of my invention are: to provide a device for generating steam; formed of spaced conductors which are insulated from each other and alternately disposed and floated to project a predetermined distance'within the water; to form a device from spaced conductors which are alternately disposed and mounted on a floating element which regulates the depth to which the conductors project into the water on which the device floats; to provide weight which may be adjusted to change the degree of immersion of the conductors; to form a radiator of a plurality of intercommunicating sections in the base of which the device is mounted which produces steam upon the immersion of the conductors with the water upon which the device floats; to form a cabinet for receiving elements to be steamed or in which steam may be generated for the purpose of humidifying a room, having a device floated in the water in the bottom of the cabinet for immersing conductors supported thereby and which may be re- 55- moved as a unit from the cabinet; and in general, to provide a steam generating device which is simple in construction, positive in operation and economical of manufacture and use.

Other objects and features of novelty of my invention will. be either specifically pointed out or will become apparent when referring, for a better understanding of my invention, to the following description taken in conjunction with the'accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a broken view, in elevation, of a radiator having a steam generating device therein embodying features of my invention; 7

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, taken on the line 2-2 thereof; 4

Fig. 3 is an enlargedsectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 1, taken on the line 3- -3 thereof;

Fig. 4 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 3, taken on the line 4-4 thereof;

Fig. 5 is an enlarged sectional view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 3, taken on the line 5 -5 thereof; 7 I

Fig. 6 is a view of structure, similar to that illustrated in Fig. 1, showing a further form of my invention;

Fig. 7 is a broken plan view of the structure illustrated in Fig. 6, as viewed from line '!1 thereof; I

Fig. 8 is a view of structure, similar tothat illustrated in Fig. 6, showing a further form which my invention may assume; 7

Fig. 9 is a plan view of the steam generating device illustrated in Fig. 8, as viewed from the line 99 thereof; and,

Fig. 10 is a sectional view of a steam generating device employed as a humidiflensterilizer, or the like. 7

Referring to Figs. 1 to 5, I have illustrated a radiator 12 made from a plurality of units which are Welded or otherwise secured together and supplied with a steam generating ,unit l3. The radiator is formed from a plurality of stampings, the stamping M of pan shap forming the top element enclosed by a partition having an edge flange l6 which is seam welded or other-' wise secured to the edge of the stamping .114. One or more openings I! are provided in the partition 15 havingaflange l8 therea bout which projects into a flange 19 on -the next adjacent P n-like element 2|. The flanges l8 :and H! are secured together-byhydrogen welding why other suitable methods and apartition [5 is .secured to the open face thereof. The flange l8 of the partition issecured to the next adjacent pan-like element 2| and the height to which the radiator is built is controlled by the number of partitions I and elements 2| which are secured together.

At the bottom of the assembly, a pan-like element 22 is secured to, the flange |8 in the lowermost partition l5 and a bottom element 23 having a flange 24 at its edge is welded to the edge of the pan-like element 22. are assembled over the ends of the elements |4, 2|, and 22 and are welded thereto. Projecting leg portions 26 are formed in the bottom of the stampings 25 to provide a support for the element.

End stampings 25 radiator. The radiator is entirely portable, and

It will be noted that the web of the pan portion V 2| and the partition I 5 slant upwardly from the rear face of the radiator to provide a convection flow of air between the sections toward the front of the radiator. The end wall in the pan-shaped element 22 is provided with an opening 41 sufiiciently large to permit the steam generating device to be withdrawn therethrough.

The steam generating device |3 embodies an elongated float element 28 comprising a pair of stampings 29 semicircular in section, having outwardly projecting flanges 3| which are welded, brazed, or otherwise secured together. A pair of elements 32 of insulating material extend across the internal flanges and form a support for conductor bars 33 and 34 which are alternately disposed and spaced relative to each other.

The bars 33 are joined by a conductor 35 on the lefthand side of the figure while a conducting bar 36 joins the conductors 34 on the opposite end thereof. The outer conductor bar 33 is joined to a flexible shunt 31 while a similar shunt'38'is joined to the outermost conducting bar 34. A pair of metal sleeves 39 project through the floating element 28 and are sealed thereto. A shouldered insulating sleeve 4| is disposed within the sleeves 39 in which the end 42 of supporting links 43 project. The shunts 31 and 38 are welded, brazed, soldered, or otherwise joined to the end of the element ends 42 and in this manner the supporting elements 43 form the conductors for the" current delivered to the alternately disposed pairs of bars 33 and 34. y The opposite end of the elements 43 are piv-. oted in insulating blocks 45 which are mounted on a cover plate 46 which encloses the opening 41 in the end wall of the element 22 which is enclosed by the cover plate. Terminals 48 and 49 are mounted on and insulated from the cover plate 46 and joined by flexible shunts 5| to the end portions 52 of the elements 43. A bar 53 is slidable on the elements 43 and is provided on the ends with clamp screws 54 by which the bar is positioned on the elements. The entire unit l3 with the insulating bar 53 and elements 43 are removable through opening 41 in the end wall of the radiator |2 when the cover plate 46 is disconnected therefrom. The cover plate 46 is provided with a flange 55 which is drawn against a sealing gasket 56 by a plurality of screws 51 to seal the opening.

When the radiator is to be operated, water is placed in the well 23 and current is conducted to the elements 33 and 34 by leads attached to the terminals 48 and 49. The bar 53 is adjusted on the elements 43 to regulatethe depth to which the elements-33 and 34 are immersed. This regulates the rate of steam generation and therate of current consumption which varies therewith.

Very little, if any, steam generation is produced 'may be moved to any position in the room and Y. plugged directly into a wall socket in the normal lighting circuit. If at any time the steam gencrating unit fails tofunction, or functions ineflia less conductor of heat than the metal does not enter into the efiiciency of operation of the device, since the heat can not be conducted away' from the radiator and can only be dissipated in the room in which the radiator is operating. The

porcelain enamel, while providing a pleasing ap-' pearance to the radiator, eliminates the danger of shock to onecoming in contact with the radiator' when the insulation in the circuit fails and the current is conducted to the radiator metal. The porcelain enamel prevents such charging of the metal with'the current of the circuit and renders the radiator and like devices acceptable to the underwriters Referring to Figs. 6 and 7, I have'illustrated.

a steam generating unit 6| having a float provided with insulating sleeves 4| through which conductors62 project for connection to an elec trio circuit. Insulating elements 63 on the float 28 project over pins 64 vfor locating the float re1a-- In Figs; 8 and 9, I have illustrated a further form which my steam generating device may assume. The device embodies a circula-r float 12 on which a pair of conductors I3 and 14, which are retained spaced from each other and wound spirally, are secured. The conductors may be made of wire, butare herein illustrated as being made of a'strap material. The inner ends of the conductors are joined to the insulated leads" l5" and 16 whichare connected to a pair of terminals 11 on the plate 18 which encloses an opening 19 in the wall of the radiator or other unit. An insulating gasket 8| seals the plate to the wall when secured in position by screws 82.

A cylinder 83 is mounted through the-plate 18 4 having a" vent cap 84 on the end which is provided with an aperture 85. "An aperture 86 isprovided'in the wall of the cylinder on the outer side of the plate 18. Within the cylinder a piston 81 is mounted having a piston rod 88 connected to an arm 89 of a bell crank 9|. The bell crank is pivoted on an arm 92 projecting from the inner end of the cylinder 83. An arm 93 of the bell crank has a bifurcated end 94 which receives a pin 95 projecting from the botttom of the float I2 and engages a laterally projecting pin 96 on the pin 95. As the pressure builds up within the device, the piston 81 is moved outwardly in the cylinder 83 which. thereby permits the float to rise in the water and reduces the amount of steam generation. Should the pressure become too great, the piston moves outwardly a sufficient amount to have an aperture 9'! thereof mate with the aperture 86 in the cylinder to vent the steam on the inside of the device to atmosphere. As soon as the pressure within thedevice drops, the pressure of the atmosphere moves the piston inwardly of the cylinder thereby operating the bell crank in a counterclockwise direction to draw the float further into the water to thereby increase the rate of steam generation. The opening 19 is sufficiently large to permit the entire device H to be withdrawn therethrough when the plate 18 is released from the side wall of the device.

In Fig. 10, I have illustrated a device 98 which comprises a receptacle 99, a cover WI, and a steam generating device [02 of a type herein illustrated to show uses of the device other than for heating a radiator. The device illustrated in Fig. may be a humidifier for delivering steam to the atmosphere of a room or may be used as a sterilizer for sterilizing instruments, towels, or the like. The steam generating unit readily lends itself for the generation of steam rapidly and for short periods of time such as for sterilizing and humidifying.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim by Letters Patent is:

1. A steam generating unit including a float, a plurality of bare conductors of one lead, a plurality of bare conductors of another lead alternately disposed relative to said first conductors, said conductors being mounted directly upon said float for partial immersion in a liquid, a pair of leads respectively connected to said alternate conductors, and means in addition to said leads for positioning the float while permitting it to freely move vertically upon a liquid.

2. A steam generating unit including a float, a plurality of bare conductors of one lead, a plurality of bare conductors of another lead alternately disposed relative to said first conductors, said conductors being mounted directly upon said float for partial immersion in a liquid, a pair of leads respectively connected to said alternate conductors, means in addition to said leads for positioning the float while permitting it to freely move vertically upon a liquid, and a weight shiftable on said pair of leads for varying the Weight of the float for regulating the degree of immersion of the conductors.

3. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, a plurality of spaced alternate pairs of conductors mounted on said float, means for positioning said float Within said device, a pair of leads joined to said alternate pairs of conductors, respectively, and extending to the exterior of said device, said device having an aperture through which said float and conductors are removable, and a plate for covering said opening.

4. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, a plurality of spaced alternate pairs of conductors mounted on said float, means for positioning said float within said device, a pair of leads joined tosaid alternate conductors, respectively, and extending to the exterior of said device, said device having an aperture through which said float and conductors are removable, and a plate for covering said opening, said posi-.. tioning means beingsecured to said plate.

5. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, a plurality of bare conductors of one lead, a plurality of bare conductors of another lead alternately disposed relative to said first conductors, said conductors being mounted on said float for partial immersion in a liquid, 2. pair of leads each joined to a set of alternate conductors, a plate covering an opening in the device, and an arm pivoted to the plate and to said device forcontrolling the position of the float.

6. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, a plurality of bare conductors of one lead, a plurality of bare conductors of another lead alternately disposed relative to said first conductors, said conductors being mounted on said float for partial immersion in a liquid, a pair of leads each joined to a set of alternate conductors, a plate covering an opening in the device, an arm pivoted to the plate and to said device for controlling the position of the float, and a weight movable along said arm for regulating the degree of immersion.

7. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, a plurality of alternately disposed conductors mounted on said float, a pair of leads each joined to a set of alternate conductors, a plate covering an opening in the device, an arm pivoted to the plate and to said device for controlling the position of the float, a cylinder in said plate, a piston in said cylinder connected to said arm which is operated by the movement of the piston produced by the change of pressure within the device.

8. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, alternate conductors supported by said float in a position to be immersed in a liquid, a pair of arms pivoted to said float while being insulated therefrom, a pair of leads joined to said arms and to said alternate conductors, respectively, said arms positioning the float upon the liquid while functioning as leads for the current conducted to said conductors.

9. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, alternate conductors supported by said float in a position to be immersed in a liquid, a pair of arms pivoted to said float while being insulated, a pair of leads joined to said arms and to said alternate conductors, respectively, said arms positioning the float upon the liquid while functioning as leads for the current conducted to said conductors, a place for enclosing an opening in the device suiflciently large to permit the unit to be removed therethrough, means on said plate for pivoting said arms, conductors on the ends of the arms adjacent to said plate, and terminals on said plate to which the conductors are secured.

10. In a device in which steam is to be generated, a float, alternate conductors supported by said float in a position to be immersed in a liquid,- a pair of arms pivoted to said float while being insulated therefrom, a. pair of leads joined to said arms and to said alternate conductors, respectively, said arms positioning the float upon the liquid while functioning as leads for the current conducted to said conductors, a plate for enclosing an opening in the device sufiiciently large to permit the unit to be removed therethrough, means on said plate for pivoting said arms, conductors on the ends of the arms adjacent to said plate, terminals on said plate to which the conductors are secured, and a weight secured to said arms which is adjustable therealong for regulating the degree of immersion of the float and the conductors. I

11. A radiator comprising a plurality of pan like stampings having aclosure plate forming chambers, said stampings and plates having flanged openings which are joined together when the chambers are built up horizontally on each other with the chambers spaced apart and communicating with each other through said flanged openings.

12. A radiator comprising a plurality of pan like stampings having a closure plate forming chambers, 'said i stampings and plates having flanged openings which are joined together when the chambers are built up horizontally on each other with the chambersspaced apart and communicating with each other through said flanged openings, and a steam generating unit mounted in the bottom of the radiator.

13. A radiator'comprising a plurality of flat pan-like'stampings having a closure plate permanently securedthereto; forming a chamber, said chamber and closure plate having aligned openings with flanges thereabout extending outwardly therefrom, said flanges being secured together when the chambers are built up horizontally in spaced relation .to each other, the space between said chambers being disposed at a slight angle to create a convection flow of air across the chambers when heated;

ALFRED I-I.'HABERSTUMP. 

